As you know, Google Chrome 13 has been released to the stable channel and with it many new features started popping up, like Instant Pages, Print preview, Print to PDF and many more.
One new feature that made into this release is Compact Navigation, which allows you to disable the toolbar and address bar in Google Chrome to gain more screen real-state.
After you enabled this feature, Google Chrome will hide the toolbar that contains the address bar, buttons and installed apps icons, leaving nothing more than a new smaller set of back and forward buttons and the wrench button (relocated) to get to your settings. If you have the bookmarks set to always display, this will remain visible.
When you open a new tab a compact address bar will be accessible, but after you type your destination URL and loads the new page, it will disappear. You can bring it back by just clicking on the tab.
To enable Compact Navigation feature in Google Chrome follow these steps:
1. In the address bar type about:flags and press Enter — make sure to read the Google Chrome warning, that all feature listed here are experimental, they may change, break, or disappear at any time –.
2. Scroll down until you find the feature Compact Navigation.
3. Click the Enable link.
4. Finally right-click on the tab and select Hide the toolbar option.
That was easy enough, right? Now you have more space to enjoy your favorite web pages.
To restore the full view just right-click on the tab and select Hide the toolbar once again.
Great feature! Do you have another Google Chrome secret feature that you would like to share? Be the first and tell us in the comments below.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].